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BORN
1953
DIED
2016
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Gary Moates Obituary
"Rusty" Moates
1953-2016
Gary Dean "Rusty" Moates, 62, of Pensacola, FL died peacefully at home January 15, 2016.
Rusty is survived by his wife of 39 years, Margaret R. Moates; his daughters, Kimberly (Mike) Apongan of Pensacola, FL and Dawn (Dave) Orlosky of New Orleans, LA; a niece and nephew, Suzanne (Stephen) Davidson of Montgomery, AL and Donald Anthony (Tony and Alison) Brown of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by three granddaughters, two grandsons, two great nephews, three great nieces and a beloved pomeranian, J.D.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Everette and Pearl Moates of Sylacauga, AL and his sister, Patsy Moates Brown of Opelika, AL.
Rusty was born on August 18, 1953 in Sylacauga, AL. Following high school, in 1972, he joined the U.S. Navy and spent the next 21 years stationed in various locations throughout the world. During this time, in 1976, he married the love of his life, Margaret, and together they raised two beautiful daughters. After a long naval career, including service in Operation Desert Storm, he retired in 1993 as a Damage Control Senior Chief, having been recognized with many awards and commendations. That same year he began working at the Veterans Administration Clinic in Pensacola, FL, eventually retiring in 2011.
Rusty's favorite place was Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he was stationed from 1985 through 1990. Here he took up scuba diving and he and his family made lifelong friendships. In addition to scuba diving, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, camping with his family and Alabama football.
The family would like to thank J.J. with Griswold Home Care and Julia with Amedisys Home Health for the care they provided to Rusty, throughout his illness as well as Dr. Sumit Verma and his staff at Cardiology Consultants, Dr. Eldawy and his staff at Sacred Heart Hematology and Dr. Issa Ephtimios and his staff.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 (noon) to 1:00pm Friday, January 29, 2016 followed by a Memorial Service at 1pm at Harper Morris Memorial Chapel. Following the Memorial Service, a graveside committal service will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial; DVLMF, 807 Maine St., S.W., Washington, DC 20024. http://www.avdlm.org/donate-online.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Moates
6 Entries
Sean and Linda Trimm
March 14, 2022
My husband and I went to an estate sale this weekend, purchased 2 large bins of medical supplies, a large bin of fabric and other sewing accessories as well as many other things that belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Moates. I hope they know that all of these will go to good use. Our souls are immortal, there is no end of life. God bless Mr. and Mrs. Moates.
Kim Apongan
June 2, 2016
Miss you and think about you everyday. -K.A.
Donna Penick
February 20, 2016
Margaret, I'm so sorry to hear about Rusty. Donna (Waldo)
February 1, 2016
Dear Margaret and Family, we were so sorry to hear about Rusty. He was a pleasure to know and work with. Rusty will certainly be missed.
Debbie and Steve Layman
Rick Fountain
January 30, 2016
Rusty was a good fellow. I dodnt know him that well but he sure helped me more than he will ever know. From your floorman...
January 23, 2016
Dear Margaret and Family, Rusty surely will be missed by all. He was such a help to so many people and much appreciated.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Fillian
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